Switch throwing and locking mechanism.



A. R. GARBER. SWITOH THROWING AND LGOKING MECHANISM.

1,@79, 1 20, Patented NQV. 18, 1913.

. 3 BHEI'ITBBHBET 1.

Q g Q1 APPLICATION FILED MAR. 10, 1010.

x INVENTOR BY g5 ATTORNEY A. R. GARBER. SWITCH THBOWING AND LOOKINGMECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 10, 1910.

Patented Nov. 18, 1913.

3 BHEETS-8HEET 2.

INVENTOR WITNZAS'ISES C I i 3 A TTORNE Y A. R. GARBER. SWITCHTHROWINGAND LOOKING MECHANISM.

APPLIOATION FILED MAR. 10, 1910.

Patented Nov. 18, 1913.

8 SHEETS-$111131 3 INVENTOR A TTORNEY WITNESS S Fanny/Q 'to'be unlocked,--thrown, and locked by the strains to the best advantage so as toobtain brace the switch against fixed parts at each IT @TATES ATENTFFICE.

AMOS R. GARBER, OF MOUNT JOY, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR 0F ONE-HALF TO.ERNEST K. POST, OF MEDIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

SWITCH THRO'WING AND LOCKING MECHANISM.

V Specification ofQLettcrs Patent.

Application filed March 10, 1910. Serial No. 548.423.

T 0 all whom it may concern 'Be it known that I, AMos R. Gannon, acitizen of the United States, and a resident of Mount Joy, in the county.of- Lancaster, Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and usefulSwitch Throwing and Looking Mechanism, of which the following is aspecification.

I My invention relates to switch throwing and locking mechanism of thetype intended movement of a single rod.

' The purpose of my invention 1s, to dis- -t r1bute locking, throwingand unlocking a minimum of resistance.

A further purpose of my invention is to shift-the switch-operating rodlaterally into locking engagement with a fixed surface at the end of itsstroke and to retain it therein by reason of further movement of thedriving plate. 1

A further purpose of my invention is, to overcome the objectionablecharacteristics of cam; switch operation and of bell cranks direction ofmovement, avoiding the expense of the parts themselves, the additionalresistance imposed by them, and the additional exposure to injury causedby their presence.

A further purpose of my invention is to hold the switch free from thedriving plate while setting and releasing the usual switch loc A furtherpurpose of my invention is to provide a lock for the switch-o icratingrod itself, which look shall be supported free from the driving plate.

further purpose of my invention is, to

end of the switch movement. not only rigidly holding the switch by thisadditional means, but relieving the locking and unlocking operations ofall friction therefrom. The saving inlabor is attended also by greaterreliability in making the indication contacts.

A further pu rpose of my invention is, to rigidly join the crossconnection from the pipe line to the switch operating rod during theswitch throwing operation and to release it therefrom at each end ofsaid operation, shifting the strain of'the switch to fixed 3. Fig.

PatcntodNov. 18, 1913.

members at approximately the same time as but preferably slightly priorto the'beginmng of movement of the slide bar of the locking mechanism.

Further purposes of my invention will up pear throughout thespecification and claims attached hereto.

I have illustrated one form of my invention which is durable, of goodmechanical construction and well illustrates the invention, butrecognize that many other forms thereof may be made use of, comingwithin the spirit and scope of my invention, and therefore present theillustrations and descriptions of thisforin as illustrative only.

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a track structure to which my inventionis applied, the hand lever being shown in elevation. Fig. 2 is a topplan view oi the preferred form of my construction shown in'Figl 1 withtop plate removed. Fig. 3 is a section on line 3---3 of the structureshown in Fig.

2. Fig. l'is a section upon line -.t---& of Fig. 5 IS an elevation of apart of Fig. 2.

.1 designates the track rails adjoining a means of rod 4 pivotallyconnected to the points by brackets 5 and pivots 6. The lock rod 7 isconnected to the switch points by rods 8 and 9, capable of adjustment byturnbuckle 10.

For the support of the operating mechanism the ties 11 are preferablyextended to provide bearing for a base plate 12 secured thereto in anysuitable manner as at 13 and supporting a pillow plate at 1 1. I haveillustrated the ties as rigidly held in position at their opposite endsby strip 15 in any suitable manner and have shown a spacin bar 16pivotally connected to the switci points by brackets 17 and pivots 18 tocom- Dlet-e the illustration. I have also illustrated, at 19, the meansby which, at the present time, the positions of the locking grooves ornotches in the locking rod are adjusted, and the rod 20 is proddr withblocks or other parts 21 to enter the r. tches at the limits of themovement of the switch to lock it in position.

In Fig. 1, T have shown the hand lever 22, latch lever 23, and segment24. and have shown the lever as pivoted. at 25 in the usual switch whosepoints 2, 3 are to be moved, for the purpose of throwing the switch, by.

warmer and corniected as at '26. to

pose at the opposite end by throw rod 27 for the imlccking, throwing andlocking ofthe switch.

The structure thus far described, as well as the bell crank 28 pivoted.at 29uby which transverse movement is given to a rod, are all wellknown. in the art.

My invention c .-'iteinpla tes new and useful connections-between atransverse driving rod as 30, the switch rod 31, which I will here callthe switch rod or switch-operating rod, and the slide bar 20 of thelocking system, or parts having similar functions, by

which the switch may be thrown-by direct movement, with previousunlocking and subsequentlocking movement ofthe bar 20. I show astructure by which the mechanism for this operation maybe thrown withoutchange of direction of the movement of the switch parts from thedirection of movement of the driving rod 30, and with advantageousdistribution of the strains so that the throwing and locking operationsshall be free from frictional binding interference with each other andthere shall be substantially, no side strains upon the operatingmechanism. particularly desire to avoid the necessity for cam engagingsurfaces for the switch throwing movement.

In order to provide a good mechanical frame structure for the fixed andmovable parts of my operating mechanism, ll prefer to make therelatively fixed and movable parts in the form of frames 'comprisingspaced plates united with the requisite rigidity and having the guidingslots therein in duplicate, thus equalizing the strains and avoidingdiagonal strains.

Because I prefer to mount and have shown the whole structure as mountedupon the base plate I will first refer to the locking bar and to itsmounting-for movement through the guiding This'bar is well known. I havemounted it upon the block 32 within which studs 34 are secured. Abovethe base these studs aiford bearing for rollers 35, which are maintainedfree to turn by the bodies 36 of the studs which extend above them andsupport the plates 37 held slide bar is shown as made up of two plates39 and 40 which are spaced by means of a sleeve 41 and rivets 42.

Continuing my illustration: For Various purposes of causing movement ofthe slide bar with movement of driving rod 30 I provide a frame,preferably made up of plates. as 43 and 44, which are spaced and securedtogether by any desired means. I have chosen a rivet 45 end and haveaccomplished the same pura head 46 which lies between the plates and isriveted thereto at 47 at the end to which the driving rod 30 is to 'beattached. Attachment is made by and supporting means.

in place by nuts 38. The

for this purpose at one .bar in the opposite any suitable yoke engagingwith the end 48 so that movement of the driving rod 30 shall causemovement of the frame comprising plates 43 and 44. I guide this movementby means of rpllers 49 at the sides of the plates, and secure therollers 49 upon the studs 50 which space plates 51 and and which aresecured. at one end both to the plate 52 and to the support at 53 and atthe other end to the upper plate 51 and cover plate 54 by nuts 55.

- Itwill be evident that the so-called fined members of the relativelyfixed and movable coiiper'ating members are best constructed in the formof frames, one embracing the other to distribute the contact and balancethe structure, though their functions can beperformed by otherconstructions and arrangements. To effect the locking function, thefaces with which rod 81 or any member upon it engages at the end of itsstroke must be fixed against transverse movement. here I have referredto this member as fixed or transversely fixed I wish to be understood asindicating such immovabi-lity transversely during the periods of rest ofthe rod 31 as shall effectively prevent transverse movement of this rod.

In the form shown, the top andbottom plates 51 and 52 are grooved orslotted in duplicate in the direction of the length of the slide bar, asat 56, to guide the ends 57 of the pin passing through the spacingsleeve 41 so that the slide bar can have longitudinal movement only andshall be limited by these slots 56 to the requisite ultimate position ineach direction to perform looking function. As illustrated, the portions58 of the pin 57 lie within duplicate slots 59' in the plates 43 and 44,respectively, which slots comprise intermediate straight portions 60 andreversely turned cam end slots 61 and 62, with the result that movementof plates 43 and 44 in" their only possible direction of movement,.transversely to the track, will result in withdrawal of the slide barfrom locking engag ment during the action of the first cam slotsto Lupon the portions 58 of the pin. It will maintain the slide bar in nonlocking position while the pin lies within the straight portions 60 ofthe slots and there will be relocking movement of the slide direction atthe other end of the continued movement of the plates 43 and 44 when thepin engages with the other cam slots 62. This is of course true of themovement in the reverse direction in that there will be correspondingunlocking, maintenance in unlocked position, and lock- 'ing by the slidebar.

The top and bottom plates 51 and 52 are provided with mating slots orgrooves 63 comprising. central portions approximately transverse to thetrack, at 64 and end turned portions extending reversely at oppositeends-g -in some instances included some cooperative fornuition of theend of the rod 31 as part of the rod itself without specificdesignation, and where I refer to a pin thereon, I desire to include allmechanical equivalents therefor or thereof.

Between the ends 69 these rollers lie Within mating slots 71 in thetransversely movable plates 43 and hl. These slots 71 compriseapproximately transverse end portions 7:2 and 73, out of line with eachother, and an intermediateconnecting portion 74:, pro viding edges, 75,76 for engagement with the rollers under certain circumstances to movethem. bodily in one direction or the other within the nearly transverseportions 64: of the slots 63. The word transverse is used with referenceto the length of the track. The rollers 70 act as spacing sleeves tohold the eye end 77 of switch rod or switch-operating rod 31 in positlonvert1- cally and the pin 69 passes through this eye so that the movementof the rollers 70 and pin 69 transversely shall result in movement ofthe switch. 7

Starting with the plates '43 and 44 in the position shown in thedrawings it will be seen that initial movement of the plates will resultin the pin 69 and its rollers 7 0 remaining stationary in space becauseof the engagement oil the rollers with the edges 78 of slots 63 whilethe side movement is pre vented by engagement with the edges 79 of slotsT2. The two movable plates 43 and 44 meantime travel past the rollerswhile the cam slots 61 are withdrawing the slide bar from its initiallocking position and until the rollers engage with the edges 80 of slots71 at approximately the same time as the portions 58 of the slide barpin reach the straight portions 60 of the slots The middle portions 74of the slots 71 now periuit and their edges 80 assist the rollers 70 tomove into the portions 64 of the slots 63, but the edges 81 of the slots64 prevent the rollers troni moving far enough to pass within the ends73 of the slots 71, with the result that the edges 7 5 of slots 71engage with the rollers and drive them with their pin and the switch.operating rod transversely of the track throughout the entireswitclnthrowing movement. while the slide bar pin is held in thestraight portions 60 of the slots 59. It will thus be seen that directtransverse switch thrmving movement is effected without cam operation ofany member for any purpose during this movement, and without anymovement of the slide bar, applying the full and direct force of theswitelnthrowing lever to-thc throwing of the switch during thismovement. hen the end of the switch throwing n'iovement has beenreached. the edges 68 of slots 3 guide the rollers into the portions 66of these slots, and the portions 73 of the slots 71. As soon as therollers 70 enter the end branches (55, any tcmlcncy to move in thereverse direction. is taken up by the fixed frame by engagement withedges 78 which all'ord a definite bar against such movement and relievethe operating mechanism from all further strain from switch operatingparts. The plates '13 and i4.- continue their movement without anystrain upon or from the switch. while the slide bar is thrown by slots(32 and the rollers 70 remain within slots 73. In the reverse movementof the plates 43 and a l it will be seen that the unlocking movementtakes place while the plates 43 and a l are moving but not carry ing therollers 70 bctore the switch operating pin (39 has been freed from lixedsupport against edges and without switch movement, and that the camsurfaces 83 of slots 71 guidethe rollers 70 into line with the portions6+ of slots (53 so that the edges 70 shall drive the rollers and hencethrow the switcl as soon as the unlocking movement has been completedand the slide bar pin lies within the straight part (50. During thistime there can be no movement of the bar. At the end of the stroke therollers 70 are guided into the ends 72- of slots 71 and travel in thesestraight portions of the slots 71 while the slide bar is moved to theposition shown. At this end also the switch held in position. byongagement of rollers 70 with fixed edges The connecting member l-[i canbe inserted at either end of the plates 43 and it so that the switch canbe operated from either side of the track with the result that mystructure is of equal use for any position or move ment of switch. Thebars or rods 27 and S can be of any desired length.

The top plate 54; is a cover plate merely, in order that the slots maybe cut freely through the plate and yet he kept clean and be protectedfrom interior-once. it also holds the pins in place.

It will be evident that my invention has been illustrated and describedin connection with a form of slide locking bar construetion, which isconsidered desirable, but which is not the only one at present known orused and that my invention can be applied to any slide bar lockingoperation,-

using slots such as those shown at 60, 61 and 62 where the movement ofthe slide bar is continuous from one locked position to the otherthrough an unlocked intermediate position.

It will be evident that other construotlons of relatively fixed lockingsurfaces and intermediate guiding devices for controlling rod.

' cessory parts, as

31 may be supplied and that other means for eifecting direct drivingengagement between it and rod 3.0 with locking of the rod 31 with itslocking devices and subsequent relative movement betwen the two rods maybe had within. the scope of my invention.

Itis evident .that other means of slide bar operation. may be used inconnection with my invention and that changes in the acwoll as in theform of application of my invention itself, may be made useof withoutdepartingfrom the 1 spirit and scope of my invention. It will be evidentalso that my invention may be applied to power switch operation withadvantage in case and reliability of operation. What I'claim as new anddesireto secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a device of the characterstated,

switch points, a switch-operating rod cooperating therewith, extendingat an angle with the points and provided with a projection, a fixedguide for the projection substantially parallel with the rod, lockingwalls for the projection transverse to the rod and in proximity to theends respectively of the guide, means effective by reason of movement ofthe projection with'the points for diverting itlaterally with respect tothe rod length from the guide against a locking wall and a drivingmember movable in the direction of the length of the switch-operatingrod and having abutments engaging the pro jection to drive it along theguide, and cooperating with the means for diverting the projection toseat the latter against a looking wall.

2. In a 'device of the character stated, switch points, aswitch-operating rod extending transversely thereto and connectedtherewith, a projection from the rod, a fixed member havingcoiiperat-ing walls at an angle to each other, one a guiding wallextending in the direction of thelength of the rod and anotherretainingit against movementin thedirecti'on of the length of the guiding wall, aguide at the junctionof the walls, diverting the projection from thedirection of the length of the guiding wall against the retaining walland means for giving the projection movement along-the guiding wall ofthefi'iied member. j

In "a deviceof the character stated, switch points, a switch-operatingrod connected therewith and at anangle thereto, a

fixed membe, cooperating parts upon the rod and one comprising apronoveaec jection and the other having a guide for the projection and awall at an angle to the guide effective as an abutment cooperating withthe projection for retaining the rod and fixed member against relativemovement in the direction of the guide length and means movablesubstantially parallel to the rod length provided with engaging edgesfor freeing the projection and abutment fIOID.

locking engagement, and driving the rod lengthwise of the guide.

4:. In a device of the character stated, a

switch, an operating rod therefor having a projection thereon, spacedguiding plates forming a guide for said rod projection guiding movementthereof parallel to the length of the rod, provided with a fixed locktherefor out of line with the guide, driving means between the platesengaging the projection to drive it within the guide and meansmaintained in operative relation to the guiding plates cooperating withthe drivswitch and having terminal slots transverse.

to the switch, spaced laterally substantially the same as the extentbetween said lateral slots, a connecting lateral. slot, and a guide forthe movable member, providing for its straight line movement, 111combination with switch-operating means engaging the slots of bothmembers and guiding means cooperating between the two members forcausing the end of the switch-operating means to move parallel with theswitch for I vengagement and disengagement with the lateral slots.

6. In a device of the character stated, switch points, a rod movabletherewith at an angle thereto and carrying a pin, a plate fixed against-movement transverse to the switch, having a slot therein for the pin,

said slot extending in line with the rod, slots communicating with saidslot and at an angle thereto, providing locking walls and cam surfaceslocated at the junction of the slots and guiding the pin laterally withre spect to the length of the rod in combination with a movableplatehaving communicating slots therein for said pin provided withdriving walls and cam surfaces located at the junction of the slots andguidingthe in laterally with respect to the length of the rod, whosewalls engage with the pin to drive it in the main slot of the relativelyI fixed plate and against the cam surfaces of said. relatively fixedplate to engage with the

